Name story: Aleslosh

It was during Elly’s twenty-eighth year, when she was somewhat lost, having left home years ago, but, apart from alchemy, she had no clear goal in mind. She had just had to leave behind her best friend (and, truth be told, crush) of almost a year, was practically chased out of the city, and had no current alchemical project in mind. 

And thus, Elly allowed herself to slip a little, lay back, and.. Spend a little more time than strictly reasonable in bars. She wasn’t in any way the image of a sad, lone drunk. She easily talked with the other patrons, and was always enough aware of herself to not be obnoxious or make others uncomfortable. At this particular moment in time, however, Elly wasn’t talking with anybody, and was lost deep in her thoughts. So it came to be that she didn’t notice the tall man approaching her until he took her hand. 

It was a gentle touch, and, looking into the eyes of the man it belonged to, Elly’s heart skipped a beat, and she felt her cheeks flush. Those slanted eyes were clear, a deep, crisp, silvery color that reminded her of the moon’s reflection on a calm lake. Around those eyes was a thin and elegant visage, high cheekbones, a mischievous smile and pointed ears.
“What is such a pretty young lady doing on her own at the bar?” The man asked, kissing her hand. He held it for just a second longer than normal, then gently let go. 

Elly straightened herself.
“I’ll have you know this young lady you’re talking to is twenty-eight years old. And I’m not alone.” She retorted, one eyebrow rising. The elf sat on the empty seat next to her.
“Is that so? Who are you with?” Elly grinned.
“You.” The clear-eyed elf chuckled.
“Fair enough. Who am I though?” 

Elly knew she was at the point of a choice. The man’s advances were not discreet, and this was her chance to make him understand she was interested- or not. After a short pause, Elly had made her choice.
“You are a handsome elf who came up to me as I was alone, obviously interested in having a good conversation.. I’ve made up my mind that I might give you a chance to have that conversation.” She saw that despite his confident looks, he was still a little flustered at her response, and his cheeks flushed the slightest bit.
“I like you.” He admitted, before turning his head away.
“Turning away won’t work, elf guy, your ears are red too.” And Elly’s comment only made it worse. 

Taking pity for him, Elly turned away, towards the bartender.
“Care for a drink, Grinthant?” She asked, giving the elf a side look.
“Well that’d be nice- wait, what did you just call me?” As the bartender handed them each a drink with a smile, Elly turned to the elf.
“Grinthant. Means red-face in Gnomish. You didn’t tell me your name fast enough, so I’ll be calling you that from now on.” The elf’s cool, mysterious aura was completely gone as he protested.
“Hey, you can’t just pick a name for me!” He pouted.
“Sure can.” Elly stuck her tongue out at him, before taking a swig of her ale. “Now get over it before I call you Carapui.” The elf opened his mouth to ask what that meant, thought better of it, then closed it again. Instead, he opted to drink from the pint in front of him. 

And so the conversation continued. If the elf had been hoping to woo Ellyjobell with his natural charm and amazing charisma, he had found the wrong person, for she had seen straight through his intentions and had taken him aback by flirting readily- in a much more reckless way, which often left him speechless. But as the night grew darker, his confidence came back. Grinthant was a sailor: They talked about traveling, about far-off places, adventures and alchemy, about sea animals and mysterious spirits. They talked about the little things that made them happy, and about the big things they’d never hoped to see before they happened.

They both drank readily, but Elly was often the one to initiate the purchase, and so it was that at one point, as she placed her tankard on the bar after drinking, Grinthant looked at her with a mischievous smile, head slightly tilted.
“You know what, I think I’ve found a name for you too.” Gnomes had a remarkable ability to hold alcohol, but even Elly was slowly reaching her limit.
“Oh?” She asked. Grinthant grinned.
“Aleslosh. You’re one of the heaviest drinkers I’ve ever seen, and yet you seem as sharp as any normal person.”
“That’s ‘cause you’ve never met me sober.”
Grinthant laughed. “Sounds scary.”
Elly shrugged and took another drink. “I don’t think so. I have better access to my knowledge when I’m sober, but I am also more tactful when speaking about it. Either way,” she grinned. “thank you for the name. Now to see if it sticks.” Grinthant accepted this statement with a nod, and the conversation went on. 

Elly woke up alone the next morning. Fighting her pounding head, she struggled to remember the previous night, trying to piece back together the mix of feelings and sensations.
“My ship leaves in the morning, I will have to go.” He had said.
“That’s alright. Will you spend the night with me?” Her hand had sneaked into his.
“As long as the night will give us, I will stay with you.” His lips on her neck had left her shivering in anticipation. 

Elly shivered again, and drew the covers tighter around herself. He had gone. Was last night a mistake? She remembered their long discussion, his biting humour, his reddening ears when she teased him.. She also remembered his hand on her cheek, his lips on hers, and his gentle touch. No, last night wasn’t a mistake. If anything, she wished her memories were clearer. A sad smile raised the corner of her mouth. Oh Grinthant. The name you gave me last night really summed up my state pretty well, huh? 
She knew neither his first name nor where he was going. There was no doubt she would never see him again.